BHUBANESWAR
At least 1,500 people of Odisha origin settled in the US attended a three-day annual convention of Orissa Society of America (OSA) beginning Thursday in Chicago, the society said Wednesday. Luminaries like Jnanpith and Padma Shri award winner and eminent writer Pratibha Ray and veteran artist Dinanath Pathy graced the convention as the chief speaker and chief guest respectively, the society said in a statement. There were many events like classical and traditional dances, music, and seminars on issues concerning Odisha. Padma Shri Tulasi Munda, a noted social activist and tribal leader, was honored as an outstanding Odiya for her lifetime contribution to the socially downtrodden. National Innovation Council chairman Sam Pitroda inaugurated a symposium on the development of Odisha. A range of topics like health, careers, women’s issues, spiritual matters, religion, business and entrepreneurial skills were discussed at the meeting. OSA aims at the promotion of Oriya culture in the US, and the facilitation of information exchange between Odisha and North America. Founded in 1969, OSA has 14 regional chapters that serve as social umbrellas for people from the state in different parts of the United States.